40 months for gas station heist getaway driver

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The getaway driver of a car fleeing a gas station – hitting a man – after stealing a few packs of smokes won’t be driving for awhile.

Mohamed Nasrallah, 24, was sentenced to 40 months behind bars Monday, and a five year driving ban following his release. Nasrallah was convicted of criminal negligence causing bodily harm to gas station attendant Mike Armstrong, who later died from severe head injuries after chasing Nasrallah’s accomplices.

Under his bail conditions, Nasrallah wasn’t supposed to be behind the wheel.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to careless driving and breaching that condition.

The Crown asked for 43 months, while the defence sought 27 months in jail.

“I think it was fair,” said Armstrong’s sister, Pat Gorman – with tears in her eyes – after Nasrallah was taken away in handcuffs. “The whole thing’s just very sad, just very, very sad for everybody.”

Ray chewed out Nasrallah for lying to police, and noted his parents’ explanation – peer influence – for their son’s behaviour.

Nasrallah was alone the night he was caught speeding, so his peers cannot be blamed, said Ray. Although Nasrallah previously apologized to Armstrong’s family, “was this truly remorse for his conduct or was it remorse for getting caught?” asked Ray.

Nasrallah spoke with his lawyer after the sentence was handed down, briefly burying his head in his hands.

He suddenly sat up, leaning back, then crossed his arms over his chest. His parents showed no emotion.

Nasrallah was given a 42 month sentence, then credited for serving two months.